Post: Speaking Out for a Better Media Environment
Speaking Out for a Better Media Environment
During a trip to a large chain store, my family was greeted by a large-screen TV playing a rather inappropriate video. There, in living color, probably three feet high and four feet wide, was a woman with heavy makeup and big breasts (and even bigger hair) removing her blouse and starting to dance suggestively.
I turned on my heel and said to the nearest employee, "This doesn't look like a very family-friendly movie. Would you please have someone change it as soon as possible?" He immediately got on his radio to call the manager.
The lesson in all this: When you're offended by some form of media, you don't just have to endure it or rush your kids off so they won't see it. You can make your voice heard -- and make positive changes for your family and others.
I know parents who convinced a major retail chain to stop selling alcohol-related T-shirts to kids and pressured a movie theater to remove shooter video games from its lobby.
Why does your opinion carry so much weight? When you write, call, or speak to business representatives, they always assume there are many more customers who feel the same way but didn't take the time to communicate. So when you speak up, you're counted as speaking for both yourself and for many others.
I'm not suggesting that you organize a protest of every offensive media message your kids are exposed to. There aren't enough hours in the day for that. But you can have a positive effect simply by speaking up immediately, as I did about the inappropriate video.
Parents need to start demanding a healthier cultural environment for our kids -- together we can make a difference.
Susan Rogers, a Grass Valley-based speaker, writer, and parent, is the editor and publisher of MediaLiteracy.com. Contact her at susan@medialiteracy.com.
Read on for her quick tips for making yourself heard.
When you have something to say -- whether you're concerned about a T-shirt, an ad, or a TV show -- make sure that you:
* Are firm but polite. Don't berate individual employees.
* Stick to the point. Keep your complaint focused on one item, not a whole laundry list.
* Use language such as "not family-friendly" or "not what your company stands for." That way it's not just about you.
* Provide a solution. What do you want to see done?
* Leave your name and contact information.
Also, remember to hand out compliments as well as complaints. Did you like the strong female character in a recent animated movie? Did you like the way a TV show tackled a tough topic? Positive comments can have a big impact on the shape of media, too.